Bid To Attract Intl Students To S Aus: Study Adelaide chief

Hyderabad: We are looking to promote Adelaide as a city that values international students and offers opportunities for them to be part of our classrooms, workplaces, and communities, Jane Johnston, Chief Executive of Study Adelaide, has said. Johnston is on a visit to city to promote Adelaide as a top international education destination for Indian students.

At a gathering here on Wednesday in connection with her visit, she emphasised the city's welcoming environment for international students and the growing opportunities available in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Johnston noted that Indian students are increasingly pursuing a range of programmes in South Australia, from undergraduate and postgraduate studies to vocational courses. The most popular fields for Indian students include health, engineering, IT, business, and hospitality. She highlighted the broad diversity of students, with many also exploring studies in creative arts, psychology, and emerging technologies such as AI.

Johnston explained that Adelaide’s appeal goes beyond academics, with a strong emphasis on cultural experiences. Indian students are encouraged to participate in events celebrating both Australian and Indian traditions, such as Holi, Diwali, and Lunar New Year, helping them feel more connected to the multicultural community in Adelaide.

As of 2024, South Australia hosts 16,000 Indian students across various levels of study, marking a small but steady increase in the number of Indian students compared to previous years. South Australia currently hosts a total of 59,000 international students, with Indian students making up approximately 25 per cent of this number.

In terms of post-graduation opportunities, Johnston said South Australia’s favorable post-study work rights, which allow international students to gain practical experience in the workforce for an additional year after completing their studies. This has been a key draw for students seeking career opportunities and migration pathways in Australia. Johnston also outlined “Employment Connect,” an initiative designed to help international students secure part-time jobs while studying and connect with potential employers in fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, and business.

Prof GVRK Acharyulu, Dean, Management Studies, Univeristy of Hyderabad, Dr Ram K Aluru, founder and CEO Onnes Cryogenics and Raviteja Duggineni, founder and CEO of ResearchSat were present on

the occasion.